“You don’t know that. You don’t know what I’m thinking.”
“I know how your mind works.”
“I’m predictable.”
“You’re adorable. I love you, sweetheart, and we’re here because when a guy knows he’s in love, there’s no point in waiting. Tom taught me that. And Gran. She reminded me that she and Gramps got married after four weeks.”
“That was different. There was a war. Everything had to happen fast.”
“They were married for sixty years, and Gramps put a ring on her finger after two weeks. I’ve waited a little longer than that.”
Her head was spinning. “A ring? You want to buy me a ring?”
“You should have finished the story. Then you would have known how it ended.”
“If I’d finished your story I have a feeling I might have ended up in therapy.”
“Let’s forget the story.” Smiling, he lowered his head and kissed her gently again. “I’m hoping you’ll let me join you on Planet Eva. I’m traveling with hand luggage only, and I think I know the rules of the place.”
Her heart swelled in her chest.
This was happening. It was really happening.
Lucas. Her Lucas.
Tears jammed in her throat. “Are you sure? Only a certain type of person can survive on Planet Eva.”
“A lucky person.” He reached out his hand and the man discreetly handed over a small box. “I know this is fast, and we can wait as long as you like, but I want you to marry me, Ev.” He lifted the ring from the box, slid it onto her finger and kept hold of her hand.
She stared down at the ring on her finger and her heart ached. “You want us to get married?”
“Yes. I love you, and I can tell you exactly how much when we’re back in my apartment, but right now so that these poor people can get back to their families, just tell me yes or no.”
“Yes. Of course, yes.” It was such a simple answer. “You know I love you. I already told you that and I haven’t changed my mind. Nothing would make me change my mind.”
“I was banking on it.” Without letting go of her hand, he thanked the two grinning staff members and led her to the door.
“Er—are we stealing this ring? Because I’m not in a hurry to meet your friends in the NYPD again. They weren’t very smiley.”
“It’s all handled.”
“You handled it? That’s impressive. If I’d said no, would they have given you a refund?”
“I knew you wouldn’t say no. You’re not the sort of person who falls in and out of love.”
They strolled along Fifth Avenue, their feet crunching on the fresh snow, holding each other tightly. She felt the weight of the ring on her finger and the firm grip of his fingers on hers.
“How much did you have to pay them to open the store on Christmas Day?”
“It cost me less than that bottle of wine you drank.”
She blushed, remembering. “It gave me such a headache.”
“That tends to happen when you inhale the entire bottle without pausing to swallow.” “Do you forgive me?”
“Do you forgive me?” He stopped and turned her to face him, everything he felt showing in his eyes.
“Forgive you for what?”